From the Bangor (Maine) Daily News — Originally published Tuesday, Dec. 9

The political meltdown in Canada, at first, looks like a power grab by the Conservative Party and its leader, Prime Minister Stephen Harper. A closer look reveals that the parliamentary crisis came about because minority parties tried to undermine Mr. Harper just weeks after his party gained seats in Ottawa.
In late November, … Harper presented an economic update that did not include stimulus measures that other parties favored. …
He then insulted the minority parties by cutting off public financing for political parties.
… Leaders from the Liberal and New Democratic Party teamed up with the Bloc Quebecois to form a coalition and threatened a no-confidence vote in Prime Minister Harper.
He then consulted with the Queen of England’s representatives … and got permission to dissolve Parliament until late January. …
… The tougher question is how the parties will work together once Parliament resumes on Jan. 26. …